Feature


Health & Safety


Defibrillators in the workplace


By Christine Walford (pictured), head of training at Littlehealth Training Ltd


AEDs, or Automatic External defibrillators, are computerised devices that deliver a high-energy shock to restore a normal heart rhythm within someone who has stopped breathing and is in cardiac arrest. If someone has collapsed and is not breathing it


means that their heart is not beating properly and they are classified as being in cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death but with immediate treatment many lives could be saved. Since their introduction, AEDS have saved many lives


and research shows that of all patients who suffer cardiac arrest, 77 per cent require defibrillation. If not treated immediately this percentage drops to 20 per cent at the point at which the emergency services arrive. When someone has a cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces their chances of survival by seven to ten per cent. The defibrillator has electrode pads which are


attached to the bare chest of the casualty - the AED will then detect the heart’s electrical rhythm and decide whether a shock is needed. Some devices will then deliver the shock automatically and others will instruct the user to push a flashing shock button and to stand back. The device will then tell the user to give CPR and will use voice commands to guide the user through the process. There is currently no legislation in the UK there


obliges certain businesses or premises to provide an AED – however, there can be liability in negligence for failing to take appropriate safety precautions for your workplace, employees and visitors. With no legislation in place, it is plausible that a


claim could be made if the people who used a premises were at an increased risk of cardiac arrest or that it was common practice within other organisations of a similar nature to have an AED available. If a defibrillator is made available within a workplace


and accessible by staff it then becomes a piece of work equipment. The defibrillator needs to be maintained and proper training provided. Failure to do this would be a breach of the ‘Provision and Use of Work equipment Regulations 1998’. If an AED is available it should be stored or placed


where it is most likely to be needed so as to minimise the time before the AED is attached to the casualty should the need arise. Commonly, AEDS are stored within protective cabinets that bear the standard recognised sign for an AED of white shock on a green case. Various cabinets are available and would be chosen on the basis of security and the potential need for weatherproofing. Once installed, all staff should be made of aware of its purpose and location. It is recommended that if an AED is installed on a


business’ property then the local ambulance service should be notified of its location. They should also be made aware of whether the device can be accessed at all times or only during office hours. The devices themselves have been designed so that


those with minimal training can use them. Members of the public can also use them if a trained member of


50 CHAMBERLINK March 2017


‘The devices themselves have been designed so that those with minimal training can use them’


staff is not available; once the device is switched on, clear, audible instructions will be given. One of the biggest conceptions is that you could cause accidental harm – however, the AED will not deliver a shock if the patient is not in fibrillation and does not require shocking. In the UK, the overall survival rate for cardiac arrest


is seven per cent. Lack of knowledge around CPR poor understanding of defibrillators and ultimately the fear of doing more harm to a casualty is significant in this low survival rate.


For further information and guidance on this subject visit www.resus.org.uk or email enquiries@resus.org.uk


All training courses offered by Littlehealth Training Ltd include how to safely use an AED.


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